After Two and a Half Years, the NFL’s Battle Over Singer’s Middle Finger Has Been Resolved

The NFL has resolved a battle it has been waging for two and a half years over the middle finger of recording artist M.I.A., who extended the finger during her halftime performance at Super Bowl XLVI .

“When the singer extended her middle finger during her performance on Feb. 5, 2012, the National Football League took her to arbitration with claims of breaching her contract and tarnishing the league’s goodwill and reputation. The 38-year-old M.I.A. (born Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam) put up a defense that ridiculed the football league for even claiming wholesomeness,” the story reports.

The article adds: “The NFL later asserted $16.6 million in damages for what the singer did before 167 million TV viewers. The league wanted $15.1 million of that amount for restitution as the alleged value of public exposure she received by appearing for an approximately two minute segment during Madonna’s performance. The assessment of damages was challenged in arbitration in light of the fact that the FCC had declined to take any action on the indecency front.”

Terms of the settlement have not been made public, although the settlement was confirmed by Howard King, an attorney for M.I.A.

After news of the settlement broke, M.I.A. reportedly tweeted: “@madonna ummm ….. can i borrow 16 million ?”

THR adds: “Although the dispute was handled in arbitration, which typically remains private, an investigation by the singer’s lawyer into the league’s reputation represented a potential embarrassment for the league. Or at least, a distraction. Nevertheless, the NFL pursued an apology plus money, which it said it would donate to charity.”

One Comment

Remember, according to the NFL, you can knock a women out – twice – and be punished less than if you were to smoke dope. That is a fact, not an opinion. (see Ray Rice)
What is the NFL’s opinion: How many times can you beat a women up before you approach the level of danger by smoking dope?